{
  "id": 11482547,
  "title": "NACOC calls for stronger security coordination at Tema Harbour to curb narcotics trafficking",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/nacoc-calls-for-stronger-security-coordination-at-tema-harbour-to",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-02T16:50:28.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Adom Online",
    "slug": "adom-online",
    "url": "https://www.adomonline.com/nacoc-calls-for-stronger-security-coordination-at-tema-harbour-to-curb-narcotics-trafficking/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has urged for enhanced coordination among security forces operating at Tema Harbour to deter the port from being used as a conduit for narcotics trafficking. Major-General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, the Director-General of NACOC, made this appeal during a site visit to critical facilities at Tema Harbour on October 1, 2026. He emphasized the necessity of increased communication and data-sharing among various agencies tasked with maintaining port security, given the heightened concern over narcotics shipments linked to Ghana.\n\nMajor-General Mantey highlighted that no container should depart the port without the necessary clearance and approval from NACOC and other pertinent security bodies. He cautioned against internal competition among agencies, urging them to prioritize national security over personal or institutional interests. \"There should be no turf wars among agencies, but rather closer collaboration and information-sharing to prevent the Tema Port from being exploited as a transit point for narcotic drugs,\" he reiterated.\n\nThe tour encompassed visits to the MPS Export and Import Scan, the MPS Main Office, and the ACS Export Terminal. At the MPS Export and Import Scan, the delegation was provided insights into the scanning procedures, including the generation and transmission of container images to the Ghana Revenue Authority’s Customs Division for analysis. Following this, Mantey engaged with personnel to discuss current processes and the challenges faced, focusing on bolstering the identification and interception of illicit goods.\n\nMantey underscored that recent incidents have significant implications for Ghana's global standing and emphasized NACOC's commitment to upholding the country's honor. He pledged that NACOC would not shield anyone found culpable of wrongdoing and stressed that the objective is to bolster Ghana's prosperity and preserve its positive image.\n\nDuring a subsequent meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of MPS, Mohammed Samara, Mantey was briefed on the company's apprehensions regarding recent narcotic seizures abroad allegedly connected to Ghana. Samara affirmed MPS's dedication to collaborating with state institutions to enhance security at the port. He further pledged that MPS would facilitate opportunities for NACOC and other security entities to undergo necessary training and effectively utilize its scanning facilities.\n\nWhile acknowledging MPS's role as a private-sector partner in port operations, Mantey stressed that commercial interests should not supersede national security and Ghana's international reputation. He assured that NACOC would collaborate with MPS to furnish the requisite software and training to its staff and other security agencies, enhancing their ability to detect and thwart drug trafficking through the port.\n\nThe final segment of the visit was at the ACS Export Terminal, where Mantey encouraged officers to remain vigilant, diligent, and professional in executing their responsibilities. This site visit is part of NACOC's ongoing commitment to fostering inter-agency cooperation and reinforcing security protocols at Ghana's ports in response to growing concerns over narcotics trafficking. Recently, NACOC has also advocated for improved intelligence-sharing and coordinated efforts to counter sophisticated drug trafficking networks.",
  "summary": "The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has called for stronger coordination among security agencies operating at the Tema Harbour to prevent the port from being exploited as a transit point for narcotic drugs. The Director-General of NACOC, Major-General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, made the call during a working visit to key operational areas of the Tema Harbour […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}